Aqua RichJo| September 27, 2026 Texas has paused permits sought by data-center projects while state agencies examine what their growth could mean for the electric grid and water supplies. On September 21, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt those permits until ERCOT completes an audit. He also said other state regulatory approvals for data-center development should wait for information agencies need to assess grid reliability and wa